The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It was a crucial achievement of the Civil Rights Movement and significantly expanded civil rights protections.
Key provisions of the Act:
Title I: Banned unequal voter registration requirements
Title II: Outlawed discrimination in public accommodations
Title VI: Prohibited discrimination in federally funded programs
Title VII: Banned employment discrimination
The Act’s passage:
Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964
Faced significant opposition, including a 54-day filibuster in the Senate
Impact and legacy:
Dismantled legal basis for segregation in the United States
Led to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Paved the way for subsequent civil rights legislation
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 remains a cornerstone of anti-discrimination law in the United States and continues to shape social and legal policies.